Page 47 of White Raven
“I brought the note back for you to hold onto. I figured you wouldn’t want the dead bird. It’s being stored just in case there’s any reason to go back to it. But if that note could be any help at all when you get to Seattle, then take it with you. If Foley acts on his shit, I’ll warn you.”
“Thank you,” Sarah smiled, glancing at Athan as he pulled a black t-shirt over his head. Rhaena looked his way when he started shoving his arms into his leather jacket. “Where are you going?”
“You’re going with me. Get some warmer clothes on. I’m making it a point to take you on the second half of our date tonight. We’re not leaving Boston until I do.”
“Do you have any idea where he’s trying to take me?” she asked Rhaena, who immediately shrugged and shook her head.
“You’re asking the wrong person. As long as I’ve known this fucker, you’re the only person he’s ever taken on dates.” She smiled, nodding once in his direction, and then pulled Sarah in for a quick hug before heading for the door.
“Rhaena,” Athan called just as she opened it.
“Don’t apologize, Kane. I would’ve done the same. I’m expecting somebody to record you on that plane if I don’t get to see you before then. Check in and have a safe trip, okay?”
It was a strange place they were in now. It would be an entire lie to say he didn’t love Rhaena Northwood. And he’d never told her that. It felt really fucking weird for now to be the first time she heard it. Dead air hung between them across the apartment, and an understanding look flashed across her fierce eyes, a flattered curve on her mouth. Rhaena’s cheeks flushed, and she nodded as she lowered her face and closed the door.
His partner.
His best friend.
They were gonna see each other again.
She clunked down the stairs in those god-forsaken heels and Sarah gave him a look that said if he didn’t go after her, he’d be in the doghouse. It took all his manly pride, but he did exactly that, catching her just before she stepped off the curb.
“Rhaena!” he called, stopping about a foot away as she turned around. Her eyes looked glassy, and that collected, firm detective demeanor shattered when he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in tight. Her hands grasped the back of his shoulders, and she squeezed back, resting a cheek against the zippers on his jacket. “I’m sorry I’m such an asshole.”
All she could manage was a snotty chuckle, and he smiled against the top of her head. “It’s one of the many things I love about you, partner.”
“See you when we get back.”
“I want all the hairy details. You know I get pissy when my leads run dry,” Rhaena smiled tearfully, wiping her nose when they pulled apart. “Take care of our girl.”
“10-4.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets and watched her climb into her truck, sliding on those round yellow sunglasses and wiping beneath her eyes. Some part of him felt emptier with every inch she drove away. He knew deep down that this wasn’t goodbye…
But why did it feel like it?
It shouldn’t have come as such a shock; how easy it was to cover up any remaining stains from what she’d been throughwith some concealer and a little bit of effort. Whatever bruises remained on theinside…well…those might not ever be covered, but at least it felt a little like they were healing too. Wren couldn’t help but smile a little at herself as she dragged the deep burgundy lipstick across her bottom lip and blotted her pout. Amazing what a little makeup could do to lift your mood. They say that when you look good, you feel good. She couldn’t exactly say she felt great, but at least a little better.
The zip up the side of her knee-high laced up boot brought another smile, as did the clinking of the decorative buckle against the pointed studs when she walked to the door. Denver leaned over the edge of the kitchen counter, his fuzzy paws clinging on for dear life as he watched her in earnest.
“You can’t go, fatty,” Wren smirked, digging out her keys. “Stay outta the snacks. I’ll beat you with a fish.” It didn’t deter him. She rushed out before he could hop down and locked up behind her. The elevator dinged as she turned toward it, and Rhaena stepped out, looking every bit distressed. She’d been crying.
“You heading out?” she asked, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.
“Yeah, Athan asked me to meet them at some antique store. What’s wrong? You look upset.”
“I’m good, I just don’t like goodbyes.” Rhaena shrugged, and Wren wasn’t sure what to say. The emotional side of Rhaena Northwood was uncharted territory.
“You know they’ll be back, right? Sarah won’t stay long in Seattle. There’s too much left behind there. That’s part of her past that she’ll never snuggle up to again.”
“No, I get that. And I know—you know what? I have no idea why I’m telling you all this shit. Just ignore me. I’m about to start my period.”
Wren snorted and dropped her keys into her bag. “Don’t tell Detective Darkside. He’ll cringe.” That got a laugh out of her, but her face immediately crumpled, and she threw her fingers over her mouth trying to hide her obvious emotions. “Dude,” Wren soothed, reaching up to her shoulder. “What’s got you so weepy? I’m not good with this kinda shit.”
“Look, Wren…I’m happy, okay?” Rhaena sniffled. “I love Brandon. You know that. The shit between me and Kane…it was never like…you know.”
“It was sex. I get it.”
